Multiple Fermentation Temps

[brew703]

I currently have two brews in my ferm chamber and would like to make another brew next weekend.

#1 Cali Common ferm temp 14 days @ 62 then 14 days at 56 (brewed 8/16/15) Yeast used Wyeast 2112

#2 Oddsides Pale Ale ferm temp 10 days at 67 (brewed 8/23/15) yeast used US-05 pitched from a prior slurry

#3 SNPA ferm temp is 14 days @ 68 (not brewed yet) Yeast used: not sure yet but probably US-05

Currently my ferm temp is set at 62 degrees.

For those who have multiple brews in the fermentation chamber how do you determine the correct temps? Should I have simply chose a brew that all have about the same ferm temp or should I chose an average and go with that?
Would the lagering temps for #1 be an issue for the other brews?
Thanks
Eddie

 

[porterpounder]

The only good way is to have each fermentation controlled independently with its own controller and heater. Otherwise you'll make beer, but it may not be what you envisioned.

 

[TheBrewingChemist]

Definitely do not go with the average fermentation temperature unless they are within a degree or two of each other. You will just end up with two batches of beer that don't come out as intended. Since you are about to go into a lagering phase on the cal common I don't see a way of fermenting your third batch in the same chamber, however here are a few things I occasionally do to optimize my fermenter space.

1. If the ale in the fermenter has already made it past about 75% attenuation and I've got a closet inside with a reasonably stable 72F temperature, I will move that beer into the closet and give the controlled fermentation space to the new beer. Esters and phenolics are largely produced in the growth phase of the yeast, so in the last 25% of fermentation temperature control is less crucial.

2. If I have an ale in the fermenter and I am brewing a Belgian I will insulate and tape the temperature probe onto the first fermenter so it will allow the Belgian to free rise and ferment a little warmer than the other fermenter. Not complete temperature control over the Belgian, but I have found that it works pretty well at letting the Belgian ferment a few degrees warmer than the first fermenter.

 

[brew703]

Thanks for the reply. I'm probably going to take the Oddsides PA out and put in a swamp cooler for two more weeks and use the fermenter for the Cali Common. I may wait until the lagering phase is finished before my next brew.
Should have waited to brew the Cali Common until the fall. It's just too damn hot her in the south.